Substantial Development by Silvercore proposed for Yonge and Cummer

A significant new development is in the works in the north end of the city, located at Yonge Street and Cummer Avenue. Developer Silvercore has purchased the current Newtonbrook plaza — a low-rise strip mall on Yonge Street — and have released a few preliminary renderings.

Project aerial rendering, image from SCA development proposal

Silvercore is capitalizing on the large site footprint, proposing to construct five towers ranging from 28 to 44 storeys, as well as 14 town homes for a total of 1660 units. The development will concentrate the density on the western portion of the site bordering Yonge Street, with the townhouses on the eastern edge, facing the low-density residential neighbourhood. One of the many maps on the development presentation (not pictured here) indicate space would be reserved for a potential Cummer station were the City to extend the Yonge subway line north from Finch. Map illustrating site density, image from SCA development proposal

Map showing building distribution, image from SCA development proposal

Designed by Wallman architects, the project renderings look pretty slick. They show the use of a variety of materials from glass to what could be cor-ten steel, the distinct orange-rust steel we’ve seen in recent projects. Renderings depict what are described as neighbourhood streets, shared by pedestrians, cars and bikes and fronted by retail, as well as extensive landscaping and improvements to the streetscape. The document proposing the development, found on the Silverview Community Association website, highlights Silvercore's desire to integrate neighborhood streets, a Yonge Street promenade, green streets, and green roofs in an effort to create a sustainable community.

Project rendering, image from SCA development proposal

Project rendering, image from SCA development proposal

While we don’t have any official release from the developer, we’re definitely looking forward to hearing more about this project. It’s great to see a more suburban condominium development incorporating features usually promoted in the downtown core, and speaks to the changing perception of life outside the centre. Mixed use streets, abundant retail, public amenities and green space are usually fought for when developers propose projects of such a size, however when a site this large becomes available it’s possible to include all these facets as well as make a tidy profit.

Project rendering, image from SCA development proposal

Project rendering, image from SCA development proposal

What do you think of the project so far, and the more traditionally urban features it's proposing to incorporate? Would they make you more interested in living outside the urban core? Let us know below, and join the discussion in the Projects & Constuction Forum here.